Posts Tagged ‘Vancouver Island’

Broadmead is one of those neighbourhoods in Saanich that reveals itself slowly. It isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t rely on trendy developments. Instead, it offers something harder to replicate: privacy, natural beauty, and a sense of calm that makes everyday life feel a little easier. As local realtors, we often describe Broadmead as the sweet spot between convenience and serenity. If you want proximity to shopping, schools, and services without the feeling of living “in the city,” this is where many buyers end up.   A Community Built Around Nature Unlike many newer subdivisions, Broadmead was designed to preserve its natural environment. Homes are nestled among Garry oaks, arbutus trees, rocky outcrops, and walking paths. Instead of manicured uniformity, the area feels organic, like a neighbourhood that grew out of the land. Buyers are often surprised by how quiet it is. Even on larger streets, there is a softness: muted traffic, birdsong, and the rustling of trees. For anyone coming from denser urban living, it feels like an exhale.   Homes with Space and Character Broadmead’s housing stock tends to include larger lots and well-built residences from the 1980s and 1990s. Many retain their original hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, skylights, and generous floorplans. Updates vary - some owners have renovated kitchens or bathrooms, while others have preserved the style that suits the architecture. The result is variety without chaos. You won’t find rows of identical houses, nor extreme mismatches. Broadmead’s development guidelines have helped maintain a cohesive aesthetic, and that consistency supports long-term property values.   Convenience Without the Noise One of Broadmead’s biggest advantages is its location. Residents enjoy quick access to Royal Oak, Elk and Beaver Lake, the Lochside Trail, and several community parks. Groceries, dining, and medical services are minutes away, yet you won’t feel like you’re living beside a commercial zone. Families appreciate the nearby schools and recreation centres. Professionals value the short commute to downtown Victoria or the airport. And retirees enjoy quiet streets, walkable green space, and homes designed with livability in mind.   Who Broadmead Appeals To Broadmead tends to attract buyers who want lifestyle stability rather than constant movement. These include: Professionals seeking privacy and a quieter home base Families wanting more outdoor space without rural isolation Retirees looking for a well-maintained community close to amenities Homeowners ready to trade “new and trendy” for timeless and established If you picture yourself sipping coffee on a quiet deck, surrounded by native trees instead of traffic noise, Broadmead will feel like home. Our Realtor Perspective We’ve worked with many clients who initially overlook Broadmead in favour of areas with more immediate flash. After a few tours, they begin to see the appeal. There is a grounded quality here, an easy rhythm of life that doesn’t require explanation. You walk the neighbourhood, you feel how it functions, and you understand why properties rarely stay on the market long. Broadmead isn’t about impressing visitors. It’s about taking care of the people who live there. If you’d like help understanding Broadmead’s market, recent sales, or which properties tend to hold value over time, we’re here to guide you.   Lorraine Pelser, 5-Star Review, via Google “I would not dream of ever using a realtor other than Cal. Apart from the fact that he is was exceptionally knowledgable and resourceful, he was also honest, truthful and always acted in my best interest while at the same time treating all parties with dignity and respect.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”  

After years of helping clients across Greater Victoria, we’ve learned an important truth. Saanich is one of the most consistently desirable places to live. It offers a balance of nature, schools, amenities, and stable neighbourhoods, all within minutes of the city. Everyday Living Made Easy Saanich offers something for everyone. You can live close to beaches, walking trails, or shops without sacrificing one for the other. The municipality stretches from coastal pockets to quiet residential areas and even rural acreages. This variety gives buyers real choice instead of compromise. Nature at Your Doorstep Locals value how close they are to parks and green space. Mount Douglas (Pkols), Swan Lake, Elk and Beaver Lake, and the coastline around Cadboro Bay are all part of daily life. A morning walk, an after-work trail run, or a family beach outing becomes simple rather than a weekend trip. Neighbourhoods Buyers Love Gordon Head: Spacious lots, quiet streets, and close proximity to UVic. Broadmead: Mature landscaping, preserved nature, and exceptional privacy. Cadboro Bay: Village atmosphere, beach access, and a strong sense of community. Royal Oak: Central location, convenient shopping, and reliable transit. Rural Saanich: Acreages, gardens, and hobby farms while still near amenities. Why Sellers Perform Well Here Saanich homes tend to hold value. The community attracts long-term buyers who prioritize lifestyle and stability. Sellers do best when they highlight walkability, green space, and flexible floorplans such as suites or home offices. Timeless upgrades generally outperform trendy remodels. Our Honest Take Clients often explore Oak Bay, Sidney, Langford, and View Royal, but many return to Saanich. It isn’t flashy. It is livable, reliable, and rooted in lifestyle. For buyers seeking nature, convenience, and long-term comfort, Saanich delivers.   Brandon Sharratt, 5-Star Review, via Google “My wife and I sold our condo in View Royal and bought a place in Esquimalt with the help of The Faber Group. Scott helped us to find and buy the perfect home for our growing family in a very competitive market. He got to know our wants and needs and worked within our schedule with a small baby. Once we found the perfect place Scott helped us to get it for under the asking price and sold our condo in one day on the market with multiple offers over asking! We are so grateful that Scott helped us through this process, answering our many questions and alleviating our concerns. Thank you for helping us sell our first home and buy a beautiful house for our family.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

As local realtors in Greater Victoria, we’re often asked where clients can find beachside living without sacrificing convenience. Cordova Bay is almost always part of that conversation. Located along the east coast of Saanich, this neighbourhood blends ocean views, quiet streets, and a welcoming community feel that appeals to families, retirees, and professionals alike.   The Beach Is the Heart of Cordova Bay Cordova Bay Beach is one of the neighbourhood’s defining features. Its long stretch of sandy shoreline feels peaceful even in summer. Residents walk their dogs, paddleboard before work, or enjoy calm evening sunsets with neighbours. It’s the kind of waterfront that isn’t just a view - it becomes part of your lifestyle.   A True Village Feel The neighbourhood centres around amenities like Mattick’s Farm, home to boutique shops, cafés, and local businesses. It’s where residents grab coffee, browse artisan goodies, or stop in after a walk. Golf lovers appreciate having Cordova Bay Golf Course and The Ridge right at their doorstep, and cyclists enjoy easy trail access to Lochside and beyond.   Cordova Bay offers a wide spectrum of housing options. Classic coastal homes with large lots and ocean views Modern builds designed for entertaining and privacy Townhomes and well-planned strata communities for low-maintenance living Luxury waterfront estates that rarely hit the market Inventory remains limited because residents tend to stay. When a good home becomes available, it attracts serious interest quickly.   Schools, Parks, and Everyday Convenience Families are drawn to the strong school catchments and walkable parks. Nearby amenities like Broadmead Village and Royal Oak keep day-to-day living simple. Many clients choose Cordova Bay because it delivers a relaxed, coastal pace without the inconvenience of being “far away.”   Our Realtor’s Take If you’re looking for a neighbourhood that feels like a getaway without leaving the city, Cordova Bay delivers that balance. The beach, the greenery, the village hub, and the character of the homes create a lifestyle that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Greater Victoria. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or buying your first piece of the island, this community rewards thoughtful buyers who value long-term living. If you’d like a breakdown by budget or housing type, we’re happy to help.   Devon Marchtaler, 5-Star Review, via Google “Scott was very patient with us as we started our family and took about a year to decide on place we thought would be fit for our home. He went above and beyond and still continues to this day to keep in touch and periodically checks in to see how we are doing. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a realtor to either sell or buy their home.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

Recreation at the Heart of Langford Langford has quickly become one of the Westshore’s most desirable communities, and much of its appeal lies in the incredible amenities that make everyday life feel effortless. Recreation is at the heart of the city’s identity. City Centre Park is a perfect example. Families can spend a full afternoon bowling, playing mini-golf, or letting the kids explore the indoor PlayZone, all without travelling into downtown Victoria. Just steps away, Starlight Stadium hosts major rugby, soccer, and football events, bringing a sense of excitement and community pride to the neighbourhood. Add in the Westhills YMCA and aquatic centre, ice rink, and climbing gym, and it becomes clear that Langford is not simply a place to live. It is a place designed to play. Everyday Convenience Within Minutes Convenience is another major draw. Everyday errands are easy to handle thanks to the variety of shopping hubs in the area. Belmont Market, Millstream Village, and Westshore Town Centre offer everything from groceries to boutique shopping, while Costco, Walmart, Real Canadian Superstore, and Canadian Tire provide big-box convenience. The core of Langford along Goldstream Avenue has a charming small-town feel with cafés, bakeries, and locally owned shops lining the street. For residents, the ability to access essentials within minutes is one of the neighbourhood’s greatest advantages, especially for busy parents, commuters, or shift workers. A Growing Local Food Scene Langford is also earning a reputation for its diverse dining options. Whether it is brunch at House of Boateng, a casual bite at Liberty Kitchen in Belmont, or an afternoon coffee at Rhino Coffee House, there is a growing selection of places that bring people together. The area’s restaurants and cafés contribute to a walkable, lively atmosphere, especially around the city core and Westhills. They add the kind of lifestyle value that many buyers look for when choosing where to settle. Nature at Your Doorstep Perhaps the most defining aspect of Langford is its deep connection to nature. Surrounded by lakes, trails, and parks, residents have access to the outdoors at every turn. Langford Lake and Glen Lake offer scenic boardwalks, swimming areas, and gentle paths ideal for morning dog walks or evening strolls. The famous Galloping Goose Trail weaves through the community, providing a convenient route for cyclists, joggers, or commuters. A short drive away, Goldstream Provincial Park immerses visitors in old-growth forest, waterfalls, and the annual salmon run. This experience never loses its magic, even for long-time locals. Designed for Community and Growth Supporting all of this is a strong community infrastructure. The city continues to evolve with thoughtful development, adding schools, community facilities, health services, and transit routes designed to handle growth. The library inside the Westhills YMCA shows how Langford prioritizes bringing amenities together, creating spaces where people can connect, learn, and engage. It is a city built for modern life, and one that continues to attract young families, retirees, professionals, and investors alike. Why Langford Stands Out For anyone considering a move to the Westshore, Langford is hard to overlook. Its balance of recreation, nature, convenience, and lifestyle amenities makes it more than a suburb. It is a thriving, self-contained community with room to grow. If you are curious about what living here could look like, we are always happy to share neighbourhood insights, local listings, and real-world advice to help you find the perfect fit.   Hilary Mathieson, 5-Star Review, via Google “Scott and the rest of the team at the Faber Real Estate Group are fantastic! Scott went above and beyond to find us the perfect property that checked all the boxes. He was extremely attentive and professional and made the entire process very enjoyable. His extensive experience in the real estate industry helped us to choose a property that suited us and he was able to give us lots of helpful insight throughout our experience. Highly recommend to anyone in need of a trustworthy, knowledgeable real estate agent.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

If you’re buying your first home on Vancouver Island, Langford is often the city that rises to the top of the list. It combines affordability, modern amenities, walkable neighbourhoods, and a growing job market, all while staying within reach of downtown Victoria. For many new buyers, Langford offers something rare: a chance to get into the market without compromising lifestyle. More Room for Your Budget One of the biggest barriers for first-time buyers in Greater Victoria is cost. Central Victoria and many surrounding neighbourhoods come with benchmark prices that make home ownership feel out of reach. Langford stands out because the housing stock is newer, more diverse, and often more accessible. Condos, townhomes, and smaller single-family homes are widely available, offering a variety of entry points into the market. While prices fluctuate with interest rates and demand, Langford consistently remains more affordable than comparable Victoria neighbourhoods. For many first-time buyers, this difference is the key that gets them onto the property ladder. Modern Homes and New Infrastructure Because Langford has grown so quickly over the last decade, many homes are newer and built to modern standards. First-time buyers benefit from features that are often reserved for upscale developments in older communities: energy-efficient construction, practical layouts, newer roofs and systems, and fewer immediate maintenance concerns. The city’s infrastructure has evolved alongside its housing. You’ll find sports facilities, new schools, shopping centres, medical services, playgrounds, trails, and community hubs that make everyday life easier. This makes Langford incredibly livable from day one, especially if you’re coming from a rental or smaller condo. Lifestyle Without the Premium Price Tag Langford is well-known for its outdoor lifestyle. The city is surrounded by lakes, mountains, golf courses, and nature trails. Whether you want to hike Mount Finlayson, paddleboard on Langford Lake, or bike the Galloping Goose Trail, recreational options are minutes away. And unlike older urban cores where space is limited, Langford has large parks, wide streets, and room to breathe. The commercial side has also kept pace. The Westshore Town Centre, Belmont Market, Costco, boutique gyms, locally owned cafés, and countless restaurants create a sense of convenience that first-time buyers appreciate. You can settle in quickly without feeling like you’re giving up the amenities of a larger city. Strong Rental Demand and Secondary Suites Even if you’re not planning to be a landlord right away, it helps to know what your options are. Langford has a high rental demand due to its young workforce, proximity to nearby post-secondary institutions, and people relocating to the Westshore from across the Island and mainland BC. Many homes in Langford are built with rental suites, lower levels, or carriage homes. First-time buyers can offset mortgage costs or build equity faster by renting a portion of their property. For some buyers, this financial flexibility is the deciding factor in choosing Langford over other communities. A Community Designed for Growth, Not Sprawl Langford’s growth has been intentional. Rather than simply pushing outward, the city has invested in schools, sports facilities, community programs, and safe neighbourhoods. That’s part of why families, young professionals, and first-time buyers keep choosing Langford and why property values have historically held strong through market fluctuations. When you buy your first home, you’re not just buying the current property you’re buying into the future of a community. Langford’s trajectory remains positive, especially as more services and infrastructure arrive in the Westshore. Final Thoughts If you’re a first-time home buyer, Langford offers a rare combination of affordability, lifestyle, and future value. You don’t need to sacrifice space, convenience, or outdoor access to get into the market. And because the community continues to mature, there’s long-term upside that goes beyond the purchase price. Whether you’re considering a condo, townhome, or starter house, Langford deserves a close look. It remains one of the most accessible and enjoyable entry points into home ownership in Greater Victoria.   Michael Billington, 5-Star Review, via Google “Excellent experience with Faber group! Zach is an amazing young professional, he is very knowledgeable and explained everything to me (a first time buyer) very well. Towards the end I got to work with Cal as well who was also very kind and professional. I would certainly recommend Faber group.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”